Guns, antiques, paintings and cash have been seized by gardai in a series of co-ordinated raids against organised crime gangs.

Thirty homes and businesses were searched across Dublin, Kildare, Cork and Louth by specialist units including elite armed officers, the drugs and fraud squads and the Criminal Assets Bureau.

A Garda spokesman said: "This investigation has been ongoing for some time and this phase of the operation is to gather evidence in relation to suspected criminal activity."

Among the other items seized in the blitz were documents, computers, money, a shotgun and a handgun, antique furniture and paintings.

All the items seized will be subject to a full technical examination.

No arrests were made in the course of this operation but the spokesman said investigations are continuing.

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